The technological landscape continues to evolve rapidly, granting unprecedented amounts of accessibility to various forms of content consumption. With 93% of teens on social media, companies like Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snap Chat continue to devise tactics in their algorithm that will surge dopamine in their content and further create the basis of addiction.
Addiction of any sort is a problem, but the prevalence and nonchalant nature of social media addiction is something that is beginning to see the light, upon expanded research. Within this research is the scientific consensus that the adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to rewiring, in a manner that will lead them to seek out immediate gratification and inevitably cause obsessive, compulsive, and addictive behaviors, suggested by Nancy DeAngelis a director of behavioral health at Jefferson Health. Such behavioral patterns ignite the mental illnesses that have become a modern mainstream focal point and by no accident as studies by the World Health Organization suggest a 13% increase over the past ten years. One can only assume that such trends will continue to see rise should action not be taken to remedy the problem.
Despite its flaws, it cannot be denied that we are in the digital age. Where the future of the next generation of students lies in their ability navigate this space and push further the bounds by which technological advancement can achieve. It is important for the education system to evolve in that regard. We have seen the expansion of the edtech sphere where Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom have established themselves as key contributors, by streamlining digital learning and collaboration. These tools provide centralized platforms where students, teachers, and administrators can communicate, share resources, and manage assignments efficiently. Their integration with a variety of educational apps and tools enhances the learning experience by offering real-time collaboration, personalized feedback, and easy to access learning materials.
There is balance to be found and solutions to help remedy them. With students increasingly exposed to the distractions and risks of the internet, tools like content control systems and learning management platforms provide educators with powerful ways to maintain focus and safety in the classroom. By allowing teachers to manage what students can access online, these technologies create a more controlled, productive learning environment where digital tools enhance rather than disrupt education. Beyond regulation, EdTech solutions contribute to personalized learning, making it easier for students to engage with content at their own pace while fostering collaboration through digital platforms. As schools evolve, these technologies are becoming essential in preparing students for a future where digital literacy and responsible tech use are vital.
